Tikka T3 Varmint for F Open?

[dhv]

Guys I'm looking for a cheap entry level club gun to have some fun in F Open, and I love Tikkas.

Has anyone done any work with these, or have any opinions on what could be done based on this platform?

[Paul Janzso]

Hi dhv.
Three members of the club I'm in, Murray Bridge RC have either Tikka Super varmint or Tikka Varmint rifles chambered in 308 .

One of the members has been with the club for a few years and he is quite competitive, while the other two members have only been with the club for a short while, but they are doing ok with there Tikka rifles.

I have a Tikka Tactical in 223, I had the throat lengthened so I could seat the 80gn Sierra MK's further out of the case. It has been my team rifle for many years and I have shot several possibles with it.

You will probably need a 20 moa scope rail fitted, Nightforce have a flat base available that will suit your action . Stick your scope on top of that and go shoot.

Cheers
Paul

PS
I just re-read your post, and you wanted to shoot in open, sure the Tikka rifles are capable of the accuracy needed, but I would recomend starting in F Class Standard with a 308 and have fun .
Unless you can find a second hand Tikka Master Sporter in an F Open caliber (thats what I started with in 6.5x55) stick with the Varmint or Super Varmint model and F Class standard. my 2c

[dhv]

Thanks Paul

You will probably need a 20 moa scope rail fitted, Nightforce have a flat base available that will suit your action . There's a 20 MOA EGW mount for the T3 on the way from Midway USA and a pair of Leupold QRW rings in the cupboard to go onto it.


I would recomend starting in F Class Standard with a 308 and have fun . I also have a Sako 75 HB in 308 that I'll probably start off with, but it's a safe queen. The Tikkas are my working guns. Can't beat plastic and stainless!


Unless you can find a second hand Tikka Master Sporter. Would love one! Know where there are any going cheap? HAHA

Thanks again.

[Paul Janzso]

I like the idea of the 20 min rail you have on order from the States.
Can you let us know how it goes when you get it please?
As that sounds like an easy fit, instead of finding a smith to drill the rail etc.
The Sako would be good, but if its a safe queen, leave it there.
There are plenty Tikkas on usedguns.com.
I was very interested in a Tikka Continental that was advertised. but I have a Barnard project hapening. I think the Tikka's are very underated rifle.
If you wanted to go down the F Class Open track with a Tikka, a Peter VanMeurs, Pro Cal Trading, MBR Tracker Laminate copy stock would be great with the Tikka inleted into it.
There is one also on usedguns.com in the 6.5 cal colum.
I hope this helps.
Paul

[johnk]

The 20 min rail sounds like the duck's guts.

Paul,

I may not have the experience necessary to decide on the relative merits of a day on the range compared to bedding Elle Macpherson, but recalling the poultry run up the back yard as a kid, I do know what a duck's guts sound like.

Wouldn't a rail making those noises be a tad distracting?

John

[Paul Janzso]

John, I removed the "duck's guts"
Paul

[AlanF]

...recalling the poultry run up the back yard as a kid, I do know what a duck's guts sound like...

The last time a sound like that would've been heard on the mound was at Coonanbarabran in the 1500yd when a F-Class shooter who shall remain nameless had to retire and make a dash for the gents. It was a decisive moment in the outcome of the competition .

Alan

[dhv]

Back on topic gents...

[Dave P]

dhv,
Based on your location you will shoot mostly at McIntosh range Canberra. They shoot F Open & F Standard each Saturday afternoon as I recall. Go down introduce yourself and look at what others are doing using.

You can shoot a Tikka or any other rifle for that matter and I would not be over concerned about using a rifle that you will really use more for hunting as a starter, calibre doesnt much matter either. The fact is you will loose a lot of shots to learning technique and wind reading regardless of the rifle. As for a scope you can shoot Ok with about 15x and the tapered rail is easy to fit to gain adjustment for the longs. You shouldnt need it to shoot 300 & possibly 500 depending on scope.

Probably best to run what you have, have some fun and see how much you like the shoot. Then you can make some decisions ie
F Standard or F Open prefferred.

After that you will have gained some good background info on what YOU like and what YOU want to buy/build for competition.

Best idea is just get out to the range and start shooting, the rest will follow of its own accord.

There is a 1000yd BR match on Sunday 30th May at McIntosh a few of the F Open guys will be there starts around 8am come down and have a look/shot/play.

[bobeager]

dhv, depending on your budget you might want to take a look at the "Savage F Class' in 6mm BR. This rifle is purpose built single shot with the correct stock design, a 6 oz trigger in a calibre that can win matches. Add a tapered rail and a reasonable scope and your competitive. Easy to rebarrel or swith barrel at a later date.

Queensland Gun Exchange & Fishing advertised in recent of SSAA Magazine for $2035.

Rob Eager
Goulburn Rifle Club. PS: we are a strong F Class club and we shoot most Saturday afternoons...a short drive up fom Bungendore. If intersted my mobile is 0410 763 555.

[AlanF]

...you might want to take a look at the "Savage F Class' in 6mm BR...

I'll second that - we have one as a club rifle. Even with the factory barrel it performs very respectably.

Alan

[darke_peak]

I see that Barnard are working on a replacement trigger for the Tikka T3.

[dhv]

Thanks fellas.

So if I already have the 223 and 308 bases covered by my Sakos, which of the available (or readliy converted) T3 calibres would be the best choice for the longer range stuff?

Rob I might just take you up on your offer in a month or so (when it stops being so HOT haha)

[Dave P]

Mate a factory 223 barrel will not stabilise 80 grn pills. Use the 308 you have with 155's as a starter.
My advice dont buy a rifle until you have some experience at matches and have a had a chance to have a good look at everyone elses gear. Buying upfront usually ends badly IMHO as you usually end up wanting something else not to far down the road.
Remember its about FUN first and winning second at the start.

[BATattack]

did you just say you have a sako .308?!!

that rifle in stock standard trim with a decent scope even shooting the factory NRAA factory match ammo will deffinatly get you started!

i have only been shooting f class for 2 years (hunting etc 19yrs) take on board what these other guys have said. GET out there start shooting! do not stress about what your score is or if you have the most expensive equipment on the range.

see what other people are using. more often than not they will let you try their grear so you can make up your mind what will work best if you decide to buy/build a dedicated rifle.

i rushed out and bought a rifle, barrel, stock, rail, dies with the intent on building a f/o rifle BEFORE i really knew what i was doing. i ended up shooting f/s to get a feel for what i wanted. the result . . . i have since sold everything but the dies! dont make the same mistake i did.

other than listening and looking at what other people are doing within the sport two tips i would give you to start are . . . . buy a good scope!! and buy or keep a log book of your elevation settings for each distance you shoot. those two things will make your life sooooooo much easyer trust me

get out there and good luck!